White Strawberries: Growing Food for Wellness & Joy

• A Newbies Guide to Genetic Engineering and NZ Law Changes | With GE Honesty

  I’m not usually a political person, but sometimes a little adulting is needed. And I think it’s important that everyday Kiwis actually know what’s happening in our food system.In this episode, I sit down with Callum from GE Honesty to unpack the basics of genetic engineering, gene editing, and what these proposed changes, that are currently with parliament, could mean for New Zealand farmers, gardeners, and the nutrient density of our food.Whether you’re new to the GE conversation, a home gardener wanting to understand how this might affect seeds and soil, or simply a curious Kiwi trying to keep up with the headlines — this episode is for you.And if you’re overseas, I’d genuinely love to hear how GE crops and policies have impacted your country too.🌱 Topics we cover: – What genetic engineering actually is (in normal-people language) – How GE changes could impact NZ gardens, farms, and ecosystems – Why transparency around GE laws matters for all New Zealanders – What we can do if we don't want GE seeds in New ZealandThis is an episode close to my heart, and I’m grateful to have you here for it.💚🌿Sam✨ Let’s connect:Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcastFB Community: White Strawberries PodcastLearn More: Seeds of Deception by Jeffrey Smith: A book that exposes perceived dangers of genetically engineered foods, as explained in this YouTube video.GE Honesty website: www.gehonesty.nzThe bill proposed in Parliament: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2024/0110/latest/whole.htmlOMG GMO trailer: this YouTube video.NZ media article: “Gene technology changes: What you need to know” Focus on Tikanga Māori.NZ plant & food research: “Nutrient density research – Phase 1 report released” 

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• Sunflowers: 6 Reasons to Grow them | Sparking Joy

  🌻 How cool are sunflowers?In this Sparking Joy episode of White Strawberries, we explore everything there is to love about sunflowers — their ancient history, mythological roots, and the many ways they bring life (and light!) to your garden.From Greek mythology’s Helios and the sunflower nymph, to modern uses like phytoremediation — where sunflowers help clean toxins from the soil after disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima — these plants are true multitaskers.We also dive into how to: 🌻 Use sunflowers as living garden structures for beans, peas, and pumpkins 🐝 Support pollinators and boost biodiversity 🌿 Choose heirloom, non-F1 sunflower seeds for saving and replanting 🥗 Enjoy the nutritional power of sunflower seeds — packed with healthy fats, protein, and minerals 🐔 Feed your chickens homegrown, nutrient-rich seeds for a sustainable flockWhether you’re a permaculture grower, a seed saver, or just love bee-friendly blooms, this episode will inspire you to plant a few giants of your own.🌻 Sunflower suppliers mentioned: Koanga Institute Kings Seeds📸 Let’s connect on Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcast 📘 Join the convo on Facebook: White Strawberries Podcast

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• Asexual Propagation: Beginner’s Overview of How to Clone a Plant

  In this episode we’re diving into asexual propagation: making clones of a plant we want. For beginners! There are more ways, but these are the easiest!! AKA- Why My Baby Strawberries are Yucky. AKA- How to steal plants. Think of it as taking the complete DNA of a plant you love and bringing it home to grow in your garden.I cover: 🌱 Root cuttings – the basics, tips, and tricks for plants like comfrey that practically clone themselves. 🌱 Cuttings – how to take branch cuttings, caring for them, and maximizing your “strike rate.” (This needs its own episode!) 🌱 Grafting – a more advanced way to join plants for strong root systems and delicious fruit. 🌱 Root division and runners – from grasses and sugarcane to strawberries, learn how to multiply your plants efficiently.Along the way, I share my own experiments, confessions, and share the joy of “free” gardening—getting plants from friends, neighbours, or the park 🙊By the end of this episode, you’ll see why asexual propagation is perfect for creating more of the plants you love. Grab a fork, a spade, or just your curiosity—and let’s grow something amazing together!

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• DIY Electrolytes: Turning Garden Surplus into Functional Hydration | Sparking Joy

  This week on White Strawberries, we’re talking about DIY electrolytes — making your own hydration mix right from the kitchen (and garden).Whether you’re in autumn apple season in the Northern Hemisphere or heading into long, sunny days here in New Zealand, this episode shows you how to turn fruit surplus into clean, functional hydration — without the bright blue sports drinks or artificial sweeteners.I share how a 12-hour adventure race taught me the importance of electrolytes, what I learned from Dr. Stacy Sims — author of ROAR and a leading expert in female physiology and hydration — and how to hit the “Goldilocks zone” for osmolality so your water actually hydrates you.You’ll hear my go-to recipe using apples, honey, Himalayan salt, and cream of tartar — plus how to freeze it into easy electrolyte cubes for race day, gardening, or kid’s sport.✨ Why it sparks joy: It’s gut-friendly, garden-inspired, and turns food surplus into fuel. It’s hydration that actually works — and it tastes good.💧 Get the full recipe and breakdown — DM me the word electrolyte on Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcastMay your garden be abundant, your strawberries white, and your hydration delightfully balanced.

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• Help! My Garden Isn’t Thriving | Mastering the Garden

  🌱 In this episode, I’m tackling a problem I hear all the time — what to do when your garden isn’t thriving.Maybe your garden used to be amazing, but now your plants are struggling. Maybe you are hesitant to continue to purchase soil and your plants aren't thriving.  Maybe your potting mix has released all it's fertiliser, or maybe you're starting from scratch!  Leaves are pale, flowers are sparse, and growth is slow. I’ll walk you through practical ways to fix infertile garden soil and bring your garden back to life.I’ll cover: 🌿 What to add to a garden bed to support growth 🌱 How organic soil amendments like cow manure, seaweed, and banana peels can help ⚡ Why N-P-K nutrients for plants are essential, and what each one does 💧 How to manage soil moisture like a “wrung-out sponge” 🌸 The take-home message: diversity is key — feed your soil, feed your plants, and your garden will thrive📸 Let’s connect: @whitestrawberriespodcast📘 Join the convo on Facebook: White Strawberries Podcast

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